On Thursday, Chairman and Managing Director of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Mr. R Madhavan stated that they would supply the Indian Air Force (IAF) Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas by March 2024.
He said, “We must commence shipment of LCA (Light Combat Aircraft) by 36 months from today, as per the contract. By March 2024, the first delivery will commence. In the first year, two aircraft will be delivered with ramps of up to 16. The average delivery time after the first delivery is 6 years.”
He added, “So, as per pre-Covid times, financially or otherwise, we will meet the goal set for the year.”
This comes after the Defence Ministry handed over a contract to produce 83 LCA Tejas fighters to the HAL at Aero India 2021 in Bengaluru.
Mr. Arup Chatterjee, one of HAL's directors, highlighted about the "high altitude pseudo satellite" being built by HAL in collaboration with a start-up company.
Mr. Chatterjee said, “By collaborating with start-up company, we are building a high altitude pseudo satellite, it is revolutionary. It has not yet been developed by any nation in the world. It will be solar-powered and a huge asset flying about 70,000 feet for 2-3 months of unmanned data collection.”
In addition, HAL received a Request for Proposal (RFP) from the Indian Air Force for its Basic Trainers requirement for the ongoing Aero Indian 2021.
Disclaimer: This information has been collected through secondary research and IBEF is not responsible for any errors in the same.